March 04, 2011

To Emma: On the Eve of Your 10th Birthday

As I write this I find myself at once amazed, joyful and sad. How is it possible that my baby is turning 10? When you were born I vowed to cherish and appreciate every moment because I already knew from raising Maddie for almost 8 years, how quickly it would go. I kept my vow and yet here we are, you insisting on growing older and me unsure how we got to this place. If I could start all over I would do so without hesitation.

You are an amazing girl. It has been a pure joy having you as my full time job. I wouldn't give back a single moment of it. You are a sweet, loving, smart, inquisitive girl with an old soul. I'm always amazed how tuned in you are to me. You look into my eyes like you can see right through to my very heart. You are an amazing combination of me and Daddy. You are the best of both of us with his big brain, sense of humor, love of math and science (also his stubbornness!) and my love of reading, writing, creating, gardening, home making and all things vintage (also my stubbornness!). As much as you are just like us, you are uniquely you. I admire that about you so much. I love that you don't care about what or who is popular. You like what you like and don't care what anyone thinks about it. That will serve you well for years to come. You are a one of a kind Nancy Drew and Little House reading, Annie soundtrack singing, story writing, vintage shopping, Paris loving, skirt and mary jane wearing, picture drawing and hat knitting wonder of a girl.

As much as I wish I could stop time right here, I also get so excited when I think of what you will be like when you grow up. I know you can do anything that you put your mind to and I hope that you never lose your spirit of excitement and wonder.

Happy Birthday Emma! I hope your day is truly 'perfect'. Ten years old - that's a pretty big milestone. You are a very special girl, and I can't wait to see the wonderful young lady you will grow to be.p.s. I hope the birthday fairy brings you a miniature donkey.

How wonderful to see you celebrate your daughter..and cherish how uniquely and wonderfully made she is...and wonder what God's plan is for her life. You are blessed beyond belief to have been entrusted with this precious soul....but you already know that! Happy Birthday Emma~You got blessed with a good Mommy! xxoo Diana

I love this post Jen. It does go so fast. I know what you mean about going back. I would too and relish it even more! Happy birthday to your beautiful girl. She is lovely and your description of her is wonderful.

Oh, Jen,It all goes so fast! Your daughter, Emma, is just a precious girl...fast turning into a young woman. She will bring you a few worries and a whole lot of pleasure. I am sitting here tonight with my thirty-one year old. I enjoy her more than ever. I feel so blessed to have a daughter.Thanks for sharing your very beautiful thoughts!Hugs,Suz

Oh Happy Birthday to your Emma!!! My Emily is one year and a month older, we also call her Lulubelle, and she is also and old soul that likes what she likes and doesn't care what anyone else thinks...wow these two are so similar in many ways!! I hope she had a fabulous tenth birthday! :)

we so truly need to be neighbors. your emma & my caroline would be fast friends. i am certain!!& then while they were being sweet and acting all grown up together, we could be in the next room sobbing because they're all double digits now.(cek turns 10 sunday)

What beautiful words. The real joy i find is to watch them grow into young adults and to become amazed at how they have gracefully taken your guidance over the years. I have a 19 and 17 year old who amaze me every day, they are turning into wonderful young thoughtful men. We still get to enjoy the 12 year old and keep telling him to slow down, he will get older, just let mom enjoy you being young a little longer.

About Me

I'm a Village living, decorating obsessed, home chef, gardener in training, creative spirit and lover of the simple life. I am Mom to 2 sweet girls and wife to 1 amazing man. I love my family, friends and all things cottage and vintage. I believe in taking risks and following your dreams. Life is short. Enjoy every moment.